KARACHI: A customs appellate bench of High Court of Sindh (SHC) on Tuesday directed the Port Muhammad Bin Qasim custom authorities to file comments justifying the imposition of loading, brand charges while Valuation Ruling (VR) holds field.
The bench comprising Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi and Justice Abdil Malik Gaddi earlier heard counsel from Franklin Law Associates appearing for the petitioner company “The Fashion” which imported baby suits. A GD was filed under VR 246 of 2016 but instead of release, custom authorities imposed 300 per cent loading charges which were challenged before the departmental authority after which it was reduced to 80 per cent.
The petitioner filing the petition challenged the jurisdiction on ground that when a VR exists the clearing collectorate is bound to follow the same and release the consignment after assessment under the VR applicable.
The petitioner complained of discrimination also. The bench after a detailed hearing asked the collectorate concerned to file their comments if any while adjourning further hearing till March 15 when a compliance report as also summoned by the court.